Consumer Guide Automotive: Chrysler's Minivan Is a Class-Topper

Automotive Researcher Names Town & Country a 2012 Best Buy

METHUEN, MASS. (01/30/2012)(readMedia)-- Choosing the right minivan as a parent means finding a model that can wear many hats, and no minivan is more versatile than the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country, according to automotive researcher Consumer Guide Automotive. Now available at Chrysler dealerships, the Town & Country performed at the top of its minivan class in testing to become the recipient of a 2012 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy award.

For its annual Best Buy award, Consumer Guide ranks models from 18 different vehicle categories to determine which vehicles deliver the best overall value in their respective classes. Only 59 vehicles were given Best Buy designations for the 2012 model year, with the Chrysler Town & Country earning the top score for overall value in the minivan class.

"Those that drive the Town & Country wouldn't be surprised by its latest accolade; it's a Top Safety Pick and has all the amenities you could want in a minivan." said Tom Barenboim, owner of Methuen, Massachusetts Chrysler dealer Clark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. "It's when you look beyond the award at how the Town & Country ranks in Consumer Guide's overall testing though that you see just how much the minivan excels over the competition."

The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country earned a best-in-class score of 80 out of 110 in Consumer Guide's extensive road test, scoring 17 points above the average class score of 63. The Town & Country was rated in 11 categories that ranged from those quantitative in nature, like acceleration and fuel economy, to the more subjective categories of seat comfort and interior detailing. In the category of value within class, the minivan earned 9 points out of 10, which was good for 2.1 points above the class average.

In its review, Consumer Guide singled out the Town & Country's large amount of passenger and cargo space, which can be optimized with the flexible Stow N' Go seating to accommodate busy families and small business owners. Even though it houses Chrysler's powerful 283-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine, the Town & Country was also recognized as one of the quietest minivans on the market.

That same customizable interior space and quiet nature likely helped the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country recently take home the title of Best Family Hauler in the Detroit News Readers' Choice Awards for the seventh year in a row. Representing a consumer-minded segment of the population, a panel of Detroit News readers judged and recognized the Chrysler minivan at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

"The Detroit News Readers' Choice Awards reflect the opinion of the general public, which is often more trusted by consumers than the opinions of auto journalists or researchers," noted Barenboim. "The popularity of the Town & Country can be attributed to a number of factors, but whether you like it for its new standard leather seating or its standard rear-seat DVD player, this minivan has something for everyone."

About Clark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram:

For more than 60 years, Clark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has helped car, truck and SUV buyers find the vehicles that satisfy their needs, along with financing and service to they deserve. Whether you're searching for hassle-free Jeep sales, Chrysler parts, Dodge service or the latest Ram trucks, their dealership works hard to exceed customer expectations. To view Clark's wide selection of new and used Jeep and Chrysler models, visit their showroom at 175 Pelham Street in Methuen, Massachusetts, or browse online at www.clarkchryslerjeep.com. They can be reached by phone at 888-875-3706, and you can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ClarkJeep.